On Thursday, the University of Virginia celebrated the grand reopening of the newly-renovated Shannon Library. After four years of renovations concluded in December, the library once again serves as the heart of the UVA Library system. The building hosts most of the humanities and social sciences collections, and also features a makerspace, the Rare Book School, and a student-run coffee shop called Saxby’s.
Throughout the day, orange and blue balloons adorned the entrance of the recently-renamed library, welcoming visitors from across the University community and beyond. Guests had the opportunity to sample some of the library’s many resources and programs for students and faculty members, with exhibits on nearly every floor. The library’s Scholars’ Lab taught attendees how to make stickers and offered virtual reality presentations of Byzantine archaeology and a show by the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. The Lab also featured some of the projects undertaken by Digital Humanities, illuminating the ways in which computer mapping can enhance historical studies. Additionally, library staff gave presentations about student research, conservation efforts, and the University’s developing childrens’ book collection.
Although hindered by the renovation and the pandemic, librarians were keen to emphasize that the health of the University’s libraries has never been stronger. The library reports that upwards of 7,000 items enter circulation each month, and it hopes the nearly $200 million renovation—paid for entirely by the Commonwealth of Virginia and private donations—will enable the library to flourish into the University’s third century and beyond.
Amidst the afternoon’s unexpected wintery gusts, guests gathered outside of the north end of the building to conclude the day’s festivities. A host of speakers from throughout the University community gave remarks to celebrate the building’s successful completion and commemorate its new namesake, Edgar Shannon, the University’s fourth president. Much of the Board of Visitors (“BOV”)—who unanimously voted to rename the library in March—was present, as were several of Shannon’s daughters.
“The amount of labor, planning, and coordination embodied in this structure is hard to sum up, but easy to see,” commented University Librarian John Unsworth. In his remarks, Unsworth expressed gratitude to all those involved in the library’s renovation and reopening. He testified to the significance of libraries at the University, and emphasized that there is no individual who better exemplifies the values of this “modern book lover’s library” than Shannon.
Unsworth was followed by President Jim Ryan, State Senator Creigh Deeds, and BOV Vice Dean Carlos Brown, who all echoed the gratitude of the University Librarian.
“I can personally attest to how hard our design and construction teams have been working,” Ryan said in his characteristic lightheartedness, “and I can tell you also from personal experience that they began their work quite early, and seemed to do a lot of backing up of trucks given the telltale beeping that usually began around 5:00 AM.” For context, the president lives directly across the street in the residence on Carr’s Hill.
Like Unsworth, Ryan praised efforts to ensure the building’s sustainability and accessibility. He also highlighted its objective to serve the greater Charlottesville community, not just the University.
“I know the return on the state’s investment is immeasurable,” remarked Sen. Deeds, “[f]or it is in spaces like this that new companies are going to be envisioned, creativity is inspired, and the world’s problems are solved.” Deeds has been a champion of the renovation from the beginning, serving as one of the project’s chief proponents in Richmond.
In a passionate address, Professor and Director of the Center for Politics Larry Sabato reflected admiringly on his close relationship with Edgar Shannon. Albeit embarrassedly, he told the audience the story when he, as student body president, presented a list of “non-negotiable demands” to Shannon, including a petition to relocate the site of the Observatory Hill dining hall to protect surrounding trees. Shannon, after a deafening moment of silence, presented Sabato and his fellow students with another list of “non-negotiable demands” presented by students five years earlier; it called for O’Hill to be constructed exactly where Sabato called for it not to be built.
Sabato and Professor Emeritus Jerome McGann agreed that Shannon’s finest moment was in the spring of 1970. At the time, university students across the nation were rioting in disapproval of the US invasion of Cambodia. Police in Charlottesville began to pull students out of fraternity houses and arrest Lawn room residents en masse. Yet, Shannon, risking his presidency and academic career, stood up on the steps of the Rotunda, held up the peace sign, and “said ‘enough.’” Shannon’s leadership through this tumultuous time, Sabato said, was equally as notable as his efforts to integrate UVA and make the school a truly public research institution.
The day concluded with remarks by Lois Shannon, the former president’s daughter. In a beautiful tribute to her father, Shannon described the rich values she internalized growing up on Carr’s Hill, from staying informed to seeing the value in every person. “Dad understood that admitting mistakes allowed for human connection.” Even in the darkest, most discordant moments, Shannon said, there is light to be made.
“What a beautiful world, Dad and Mom modeled for us,” Shannon said. “And even though they aren’t physically here with us today, we feel their presence in this moment, in this place and in our hearts.”
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